|
Green Plans in Action: Netherlands: Measuring Success: Background
Voluntary Agreements
A Target Group Case Study
The primary metals voluntary agreement, or covenant, was the first to be negotiated under the NEPP, and is a good example of what can be achieved over time. Among the stakeholders at the table, were government representatives from the ministries of the environment (VROM), economic affairs, and transport and public works. The provinces were also represented, and a union of the Netherlands' municipalities.
The primary metals industry formed a foundation that became the main negotiating group for the businesses. The individual companies are all listed in the signed convenant.
Like a stick behind an open door, agreement lays out the actions the primary metals industry will take to reduce its portion of environmental pollution in the Netherlands, within ten years. In addition to provisions for reduction of emissions into air, water, and soil, it also incorporates policy related to energy conservation, waste materials, soil cleanup, external safety, management systems, and nuisances like odor and noise
In addition to the industry-wide plan, each individual company will develop its own green plan every four years. These plans will deal with the same issues as the main agreement, including energy conservation, the transportation of employees, and so on.
One of challenges these companies face is reducing sulfur dioxide emissions. In 1985, the industry released about 16,000 tons into the air. The goals for reduction of those emissions are 35 percent by 1994, 75 to 80 percent by 2000, and 90 percent by 2010. The amount each facility is responsible for relates to its contribution to the problem. There will be changes, breakthroughs, and difficulties during the implementation of all these agreements. A consultation committee process has been established to deal with uncertainties in a way that allows the process to continue and improve.
Decoupling of Economic Growth and Environmental Pressure
The concept of decoupling is described in a recent thesis that makes the case for a collaborative stakeholder approach for government and business. Gerard Keijzers, a former director at VROM, and the lead author of NEPP3, explains in Creating Sustainable Directions: "The experience of the Netherlands shows that environmental policies that encourage eco-efficiency do influence the nature of economic growth, but they do not reduce the overall rate of growth. In the Netherlands, consumers have demanded more environmentally friendly products, greatly changed their waste disposal habits [75% recycling rate], and improved the energy efficiency of their homes and cars. However, Dutch consumers have spent their increasing incomes in more energy-intensive waysÑon more cars, more mileage, more air traffic, bigger houses, and higher energy content diets. This was possible because investment in eco-efficiency allowed the country to reduce pollution levels while permitting economic growth." (Gerard Keijzers, 2003, p.48.) Thus, in the case of the Netherlands, "relative decoupling" has been attained at this point rather than absolute decoupling due to growing consumerism in the midst of eco-efficiency.
Closing the Waste Disposal Loophole
For more information on the Netherlands VROM waste policy
Electronic Waste
The objective of the "Waste of the Electric and Electronic Equipment Decree" of 2005 is to create a leak-tight disposal system of brown and white goods that will result in the reuse of as many products and materials as possible, and minimize associated risks to the environment. Brown and white goods refers to all electronic domestic appliances and office equipment. This includes but is not limited to: computers, electronic equipment, appliances, tools, refrigerators, freezers, heating, washing and drying equipment, and sound equipment. In addition, manufacturers or importers must take back their own brands from suppliers, repair companies, or local authorities for the purpose of disposal. When providing a supplier with a new product, the manufacturer or importer takes back the similar older product for disposal. Consumers buying new products give the old product, free of charge, to the supplier, or hand in the old one to the local authorities for collection. The supplier is free to resell the old product or give it to the local authorities. Refrigerators and freezers containing CFCs or HCFCs must be processed to minimize emissions and may not be resold.
Ecosystem-Based Comprehensive Planning
The Dutch have learned that a solution for one issue creates problems in another, and that a comprehensive, integrated approach is necessary to achieve sustainability. Through the process of developing the National Environmental Policy Plan (NEPP), all areas of environmental concern were included in one overriding principle of sustainable development that is ecosystem-based, long-range, and builds consensus and includes integration economic and social systems.
Vibrant Environmental NGO Sector
Dutch Non-Governmental Organizations educate the public and affect environmental policy debate through market campaigns. Some of the larger NGOs act as consultants to the government, and increasingly to industry. One of the more effective NGOs is Stichting Natuur en Milieu (Society for Nature and Environment). Its staff inform leading entrepreneurs, scientists, journalists and opinion leaders on a range of issues, such as how to make energy conservation a high priority on the political agenda. Another of the larger membership organizations is Friends of the Earth Netherlands. Its leaders worked for years with scientists at the Wuppertal Institute in Germany to develop models and interactive surveys explaining a nation's "ecospace" and suggested ways for individuals and nations to lessen their ecological footprints. The concept and science behind "ecospace" was later incorporated into the NEPP process.
Science-Based, Right-to-Know Report Card
RIVM [the National Institute for Health and Environment], a highly respected, independent, scientific resource institute, carries out research commissioned by the government ministries and provides expertise, knowledge, research, and data for the benefit of society and the environment. Every two years, RIVM provides a "report card" of accomplishments, setbacks, problems, and implications of future policy to the government, businesses, and citizens, which informs the next iteration of the NEPP.
Effective Waste Management
Toxic waste problems are becoming manageable through conservation, the use of life-cycle analysis, the "producer-responsibility initiative," recycling, and dumping bans on priority waste streams. In addition, there is a prohibition on any waste being exported to developing countries.
|
